He ended the call just as he made a hard right into her apartment driveway. The patrol cars had beat them there, and the complex was bathed in the eerie red and blue strobe of police lights.
"Come on," he said to Tyree, though the words were unnecessary. His friend was already out of the car and racing toward her unit.
"She's okay, sir," a uniformed officer told him. "Detective Landon said to give you full access."
"Thanks." They passed the cop and stepped into what looked like a blood-soaked living room.
"Paint," another officer said. "Thrown in through the windows."
"And Elena?" Brent demanded.
"Fine. She's giving a statement. She'll be done shortly. They didn't touch the bedroom. Apparently, she slept through it all."
He nodded, unsurprised. Considering their encounter at the fair, he imagined she'd had a few drinks before going to bed.
"Did they enter the premises, or just throw the paint cans in?"
"We've got them entering, sir," the officer said. "They sprayed a message on the bathroom mirror. Next time it will be her."
Brent's insides knotted and he met Tyree's rage-filled eyes. Yeah, Landon was so going to nail these bastards. And then Brent was going to dance at their sentencing.
"Brent! Daddy!"
Elena stumbled out of her bedroom and into Tyree's arms. For a moment, Brent felt lost, afraid that she was going to shun him, not give him the chance to apologize.
But then she pulled away, and Tyree stepped back. "Talk you two. I'll be outside when you need me."
"You came," she whispered once Tyree had gone.
"Of course I came." He guided her to a quiet corner of the dining room. "You're alright? Can I touch you? I need to touch you. We know who did this. Landon's on it. But I have to touch you now."
"Yes, please. Brent, I'm so--I'm sorry. I don't want to lose you, and if the only way I can have you in my life is to be your friend, then I can handle that. I won't like it, but I can--"
"Marry me."
She blinked at him. "What?"
"You heard me. I want you to marry me."
"Wait. No. What? Because some guy attacked my apartment?"
"No, because I love you. I was on my way from the Food Fair to tell you-- to ask you--before I knew about any of this. Ask Tyree."
Her face brightened. "Truly?"
"I swear on my daughter's life."
"Oh." Her voice was soft. Reverent. She understood too well what Faith meant to him. "Brent." She touched his cheek. "But why? Why marriage? Why so fast?"
"Because I'm miserable without you. Because I believe that you love me too. And don't say it's too fast, because dammit, Elena, I know. I know. And I think you do, too. But if you want to wait, that's fine, too. We can wait forever, because I know you're not going anywhere. And neither am I."
"That was a great speech. Did you rehearse it?"
"Not a word."
She laughed. "I love you, Brent Sinclair."
"Is that a yes?"
"That's a yes. On two conditions."
"Anything."
"I want to adopt Faith. You want me in her life. I want to be her mother. Assuming she wants that too."
"Oh, babe." If he wasn't already in love with her, he would have fallen hard right then. And since he already had a court order terminating Olivia's parental rights, they could make that happen right away.
"That would make me very happy," he continued. "And I'm sure Faith wants you as much as I do." He took her hand. "What else?"
"All my friends have boyfriends or husbands who are in the Man of the Month calendar. The Mr. December contest is next week." She flashed a mischievous grin. "I want you to enter it. Bonus points if you win."
"Good God. Really?" He stepped closer. "And what's my bonus?"
"I'd show you, but these nice men might not want to see me naked."
He laughed then pulled her close. "All right. I'll win the contest. And then I'll marry you. And then we'll live happily ever after. How does that sound?"
She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled at him, her eyes full of warmth and tenderness and love. "I think that sounds just about perfect."
Epilogue
"Everybody!" Tyree stood on the stage and thrust up his hands. "Hey, can I have everyone's attention, please?"
All around him, the friends, co-workers, and customers who'd come for The Fix on Sixth New Year's Eve bash continued to talk and laugh and drink as the clock ticked its way toward midnight.
"Hang on," Taylor said. She stood just a few feet away holding Landon's hand, and the two of them were among the few who were actually listening. She released Landon long enough to trot to the locked cabinet that was camouflaged into the exterior wall. She punched in the code, pulled out a cordless mike, fiddled with the settings, then hurried back to Tyree. "You're all set," she said as she handed it to him.
Tyree shot her a grateful smile, then lifted the mike to his mouth. He flipped it on, then said hesitantly. "Can y'all hear me?"
His voice boomed out through the recently upgraded speaker system, and a chorus of "yes!" accompanied by applause filled the bar's main room.
He'd rehearsed tonight's speech, but for a moment, he feared that he would forget it as he looked out at all the people who were looking back at him. But then he reminded himself that these were his friends. His customers. Hell, they were his family. And remembering that, his nerves faded, and he flashed a broad, happy grin at the crowd.
"First of all, I want to thank you all for coming. As some of you know, this New Year's Eve party is a tradition at The Fix. But this year it's extra special, because a few months ago, I'd been afraid that we were going to have to shut this place down by the end of the year."
A chorus of boos and "no way!" echoed through the room.
"Well, you're right," Tyree continued. "Because I have some brilliant and generous folks working with me. Jenna, Brent, Reece, you three need to take a bow. We not only infused some capital back into this place, but we launched the Man of the Month contest, which pulled us back firmly into the black."
Another explosion of applause, and Tyree's grin grew wide.
"Not to mention a reality show," he added, as someone in the crowd lifted Brooke up above the sea of faces as she laughed and squealed in protest.
"And of course most of you know about Brent and Easton and Landon's heroic and successful work in thwarting an attempt to use the city's power of eminent domain to shut us down. We couldn't have foiled that without lawyers and cops--who happen to be customers--working together."
They'd caught the vandals, who'd ratted out the higher ups at Bodacious, including Ted Henry and the local Bodacious manager, Steven Kane. Easton had used that evidence to challenge the eminent domain action, proving that absent those crimes, The Fix was being well-cared for. Seeing the writing on the wall, the city had withdrawn the action.
In front of Tyree, Taylor hugged Landon while Brent gave Easton a congratulatory slap on the back just seconds before Selma pulled him down for a messy kiss, and Elena moved in to hug Brent, her diamond engagement ring shining.
"In other words," Tyree continued, "it's been quite a year. And I'm looking forward to many, many more."
Once again, glasses were raised along with congratulatory voices.
There were still a few minutes left, so he told the crowd about the calendars and cookbooks, then went around the room, pointing at each of the calendar models and introducing them to the crowd, starting with Mr. January, Reece, who stood by the bar next to Jenna, who looked ready to pop any minute. Hard to believe she still had most of the month to go.
And then there was Spencer--Mr. February--who was sharing a bottle of wine with Brooke and their cameramen, Nick and Casper were their nicknames--Tyree never did learn their real ones. The four had moved from filming The Business Plan at The Fix to filming Mansion Makeover at the old Drysdale Mansion that Brooke and Spencer both occupied and were in the process of renovating.
M
r. March, Cam, was working behind the bar, moving at a speed that would have intimidated a lesser man. His girlfriend Mina and her brother, Darryl, sat on the stools in front of him, their attention split between Cam and Tyree.
It took Tyree a second to find Mr. April, but then he saw the group in the corner, with Nolan in the center telling what appeared to be a raucous joke as Shelby looked on, both amused and appalled.
Of course, he had to introduce himself as Mr. May, then he continued to navigate around the room, finding Mr. June, Parker at the bar with Megan talking to Mr. July, Derek, and his girlfriend Amanda.
August was easy, as Landon and Taylor were right by the stage, and Landon took a bow with sportsman-like grace.
Misters September and October--Tyree's lawyer, Easton, and his personal trainer, Matthew--stood together with their girlfriends, Selma and Hannah. It took a moment for Tyree to find Griffin, Mr. November, in the audience; he was so used to looking for the writer and voice actor's gray hoodie that he almost missed the man who sat with Beverly, his movie star girlfriend, at one of the tables with absolutely nothing covering the violent burn scars on his face or arm.
Tears of pride welled in his throat, as intense as if Griffin were his own son, and his voice shook a little as he moved onto Mr. December, his soon to be son-in-law, Brent, who had won the contest by a landslide.
On the big screen TV, episodes of The Business Plan were playing on a loop. In just a few minutes, the screen would go dark, and then a countdown would mark time to the new year. But until then, Tyree was going to enjoy what remained of this one. It had been one hell of a ride, but ultimately one hell of a good year.
A few feet away, Eva started toward him, her smile lighting his soul. Yeah, he thought. One hell of a good year.
He reached out a hand and drew her up onto the stage with him, his eyes seeking out Elena who beamed at both of them.
As soon as Eva was beside him, he pulled her tight against him, dipped her, and kissed her soundly, making her laugh and the entire room burst into applause.
"Thank you, everybody," he called out, speaking once again into the mike. "You've made the first six years of The Fix a raging success. We had some rocky ground, but I think we proved that there's nothing more magical than friendship--and love," he added, once more hugging Eva to his side.
"Well, said," Brent called out, as Elena clapped and Reece let loose with a wolf whistle.
"Champagne and wine are complimentary, as are the taxis and ride shares for anyone who overindulges. And we have one free calendar for every guest, but feel free to buy lots of extras for your friends," he added, making the crowd laugh again.
"Congratulations again, Daddy," Elena said, giving him a huge hug as he descended the steps with Eva at his side. "Right back at you, mon bijou. And let me see this bijou," he said, peering at her engagement ring. He hooked an arm around both Elena and Brent. "Take care of each other," he said. "You know I love you both."
"We know," Elena said, and as she smiled at Brent, Tyree noticed a tall man with silver hair striding toward them. He frowned, trying to place the face, but not succeeding.
"Brent. You know this guy?"
"Looks familiar, but I'm not--oh."
But Brent didn't need to tell Tyree who the man was, as he came right up and introduced himself. "Thomas Baker," he said. "And you must be Tyree Johnson."
"I am. What can I do for you? I hope you're enjoying the party."
"It's excellent. This is a good business you've built up here."
Something in his tone caught Tyree's attention, and he cocked his head, trying to read the man. "What brings you here tonight?"
"Honestly? I came because I owe you an apology."
"How so?"
"Baker Holdings owns Bodacious," he said. "And I understand some of my employees and investors got carried away in the worst possible way. I just wanted you to know that we're cooperating with the police regarding the prosecution. I've spoken to the staff at the Sixth Street Bodacious, and I've put in new management. Better trained management."
"Oh." Tyree wasn't sure how to respond.
"At any rate, that's the apology. In addition, I wanted to say that I'm impressed with what you've accomplished this year. I'm proud to be your competition, and sorry again about the shenanigans."
"No hard feelings," Tyree said. "There's enough business to go around."
"Damn right," Baker said. "But if you ever do decide to sell..."
Tyree looked around at the room filled with his friends and customers. More important, filled with love and laughter.
"Sorry, Mr. Baker," he said as the countdown to midnight began. "But The Fix is my home, full of my family. And so I'm holding on tight to this place, and I'm never letting go."
A note from JK:
I hope you enjoyed Walk The Line!
Did you miss any of the books in the series? Here's a handy list of titles and heroes!
Down On Me - meet Reece
Hold On Tight - meet Spencer
Need You Now - meet Cameron
Start Me Up - meet Nolan
Get It On - meet Tyree
In Your Eyes - meet Parker
Turn Me On - meet Derek
Shake It Up - meet Landon
All Night Long - meet Easton
In Too Deep - meet Matthew
Light My Fire - meet Griffin
Walk The Line - meet Brent
And don't miss Bar Bites: A Man of the Month Cookbook that includes a short story featuring Eric, slices of life, and bonus scenes for all the men!
Want your own Man of the Month calendar? Grab it now! (While supplies last!)
If you want your very own Man of the Month calendar, you can grab it now! (While supplies last!)
Guess what? I have even more exciting things coming in 2018, including more Nikki & Damien Stark! Keep reading for details!
Subscribe to my newsletter or text JKenner to 21000 so you'll be among the first to know when fab things happen!
Check out all of my books at www.jkenner.com and be sure to join my Facebook fan group!
The Men of Man of the Month!
Are you eager to learn which Man of the Month book features which sexy hero?
Here's a handy list!
Down On Me - meet Reece Hold On Tight - meet Spencer Need You Now - meet Cameron Start Me Up - meet Nolan Get It On - meet Tyree
In Your Eyes - meet Parker Turn Me On - meet Derek Shake It Up - meet Landon All Night Long - meet Easton In Too Deep - meet Matthew Light My Fire - meet Griffin Walk The Line - meet Brent
and don't miss Bar Bites: A Man of the Month Cookbook that includes a short story featuring Eric, slices of life, and bonus scenes for all the men!
Want your own Man of the Month calendar? Grab it now! (While supplies last!)
Down On Me excerpt
Did you miss book one in the Man of the Month series? Here's an excerpt from Down On Me!
Chapter One
Reece Walker ran his palms over the slick, soapy ass of the woman in his arms and knew that he was going straight to hell.
Not because he'd slept with a woman he barely knew. Not because he'd enticed her into bed with a series of well-timed bourbons and particularly inventive half-truths. Not even because he'd lied to his best friend Brent about why Reece couldn't drive with him to the airport to pick up Jenna, the third player in their trifecta of lifelong friendship.
No, Reece was staring at the fiery pit because he was a lame, horny asshole without the balls to tell the naked beauty standing in the shower with him that she wasn't the woman he'd been thinking about for the last four hours.
And if that wasn't one of the pathways to hell, it damn sure ought to be.
He let out a sigh of frustration, and Megan tilted her head, one eyebrow rising in question as she slid her hand down to stroke his cock, which was demonstrating no guilt whatsoever about the whole going to hell issue. "Am I boring you?"
"Hardly." That, at least, was the truth.
He felt like a prick, yes. But he was a well-satisfied one. "I was just thinking that you're beautiful."
She smiled, looking both shy and pleased--and Reece felt even more like a heel. What the devil was wrong with him? She was beautiful. And hot and funny and easy to talk to. Not to mention good in bed.
But she wasn't Jenna, which was a ridiculous comparison. Because Megan qualified as fair game, whereas Jenna was one of his two best friends. She trusted him. Loved him. And despite the way his cock perked up at the thought of doing all sorts of delicious things with her in bed, Reece knew damn well that would never happen. No way was he risking their friendship. Besides, Jenna didn't love him like that. Never had, never would.
And that--plus about a billion more reasons--meant that Jenna was entirely off-limits.
Too bad his vivid imagination hadn't yet gotten the memo.
Fuck it.
He tightened his grip, squeezing Megan's perfect rear. "Forget the shower," he murmured. "I'm taking you back to bed." He needed this. Wild. Hot. Demanding. And dirty enough to keep him from thinking.
Hell, he'd scorch the earth if that's what it took to burn Jenna from his mind--and he'd leave Megan limp, whimpering, and very, very satisfied. His guilt. Her pleasure. At least it would be a win for one of them.
And who knows? Maybe he'd manage to fuck the fantasies of his best friend right out of his head.
It didn't work.
Reece sprawled on his back, eyes closed, as Megan's gentle fingers traced the intricate outline of the tattoos inked across his pecs and down his arms. Her touch was warm and tender, in stark contrast to the way he'd just fucked her--a little too wild, a little too hard, as if he were fighting a battle, not making love.
Well, that was true, wasn't it?
But it was a battle he'd lost. Victory would have brought oblivion. Yet here he was, a naked woman beside him, and his thoughts still on Jenna, as wild and intense and impossible as they'd been since that night eight months ago when the earth had shifted beneath him, and he'd let himself look at her as a woman and not as a friend.